T4 California Westfalia Freestyle - Let’s get started!

[T4_Cali]

Hi all
Amazing community over here. I’m the new owner of a mint T4 Freestyle 2003 150BHP. We bought it on the spot as it was a no brainer for us even though first time buyers of a Cali. I found out post-purchase that this is a special edition and the ultimate T4 etc.

1. Do we know how many have been produced from a reliable VW / Westfalia source ?

2. For these special edition (arguably the last one before VW & Westfalia part their ways), surely each unit has a reference number?

3. I’ve seen a seat organiser with the freestyle design (grey and green) from another similar one in Ireland. Do you know where I could buy one as I couldn’t find anything online/ebay?

Thanks & l look forward to engaging with you all!

 

[calibusje]

Hi all
Amazing community over here. I’m the new owner of a mint T4 Freestyle 2003 150BHP. We bought it on the spot as it was a no brainer for us even though first time buyers of a Cali. I found out post-purchase that this is a special edition and the ultimate T4 etc.

1. Do we know how many have been produced from a reliable VW / Westfalia source ?

2. For these special edition (arguably the last one before VW & Westfalia part their ways), surely each unit has a reference number?

3. I’ve seen a seat organiser with the freestyle design (grey and green) from another similar one in Ireland. Do you know where I could buy one as I couldn’t find anything online/ebay?

Thanks & l look forward to engaging with you all!

You may already know this, but you can find a lot of information here:

VW Westfalia T4 Transporter Model History

An information site about Volkswagen Westfalia T4 Transporter camper vans.

www.westfaliat4.info

Have fun!

 

[sidepod]

Hi all
Amazing community over here. I’m the new owner of a mint T4 Freestyle 2003 150BHP. We bought it on the spot as it was a no brainer for us even though first time buyers of a Cali. I found out post-purchase that this is a special edition and the ultimate T4 etc.

1. Do we know how many have been produced from a reliable VW / Westfalia source ?

2. For these special edition (arguably the last one before VW & Westfalia part their ways), surely each unit has a reference number?

3. I’ve seen a seat organiser with the freestyle design (grey and green) from another similar one in Ireland. Do you know where I could buy one as I couldn’t find anything online/ebay?

Thanks & l look forward to engaging with you all!

Congrats on the purchase. I’ve the exact same unit. Awesome kit.

Don’t think there was anything overly special about them apart from being runout models before the 5 came in (ie VW just empty the parts bin to get rid of stock.)

Could be a struggle to get the original seat organiser (Brandrupp I think?) Have you got the tail gate one fitted?

Let’s have some pics etc.

I’ve had mine 7 years now and done a lot to it so shout if you need Intel.

 

[sidepod]

VW Westfalia T4 Transporter Info Site

An information site about Volkswagen Westfalia T4 Transporter camper vans.

www.westfaliat4.info

 

[sidepod]

Not colour coded but

BRANDRUP - Utilities VW T4

www.brandrup.de

 

[T4_Cali]

Congrats on the purchase. I’ve the exact same unit. Awesome kit.

Don’t think there was anything overly special about them apart from being runout models before the 5 came in (ie VW just empty the parts bin to get rid of stock.)

Could be a struggle to get the original seat organiser (Brandrupp I think?) Have you got the tail gate one fitted?

Let’s have some pics etc.

I’ve had mine 7 years now and done a lot to it so shout if you need Intel.

Thanks mate, here’s the little beast at last!
Yes all organisers are original freestyle (green and gray). Yes I’d like to go through some extra questions but don’t know how to pm on this forum yet - Will get there hopefully with your help

 

[kurienp]

Thanks mate, here’s the little beast at last!
Yes all organisers are original freestyle (green and gray). Yes I’d like to go through some extra questions but don’t know how to pm on this forum yet - Will get there hopefully with your help

View attachment 124958

Nice van, congratulations!

If there are questions about the van, ask on here so that the knowledge/information is shared.

Only paid up members can PM.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[sidepod]

Is that the one one eBay from Milton Keynes?

Lovely. Pitched up in the South of France at the moment, about to point it towards Switzerland.
Fabulous vans.

 

[T4_Cali]

Nice van, congratulations!

If there are questions about the van, ask on here so that the knowledge/information is shared.

Only paid up members can PM.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Perfect, will do next!

 

[T4_Cali]

Is that the one one eBay from Milton Keynes?

Lovely. Pitched up in the South of France at the moment, about to point it towards Switzerland.
Fabulous vans.

Yes that’s the one! The previous owners were in tears when they left it but yes the little ones love it and we’ll start planning our next adventures soon

Depending on where you’re, if you have a chance to visite les gorges du verdon don’t hesitate as it’s a special place!

 

[sidepod]

Yes that’s the one! The previous owners were in tears when they left it but yes the little ones love it and we’ll start planning our next adventures soon

Depending on where you’re, if you have a chance to visite les gorges du verdon don’t hesitate as it’s a special place!

Ah we came through there on the way down. Lovely.

 

[T4_Cali]

Ah we came through there on the way down. Lovely.

Cool!

I remember on one of your old posts that you add an extra ~2k worth of kit when you originally bought - What was on your list then?

On my end, here is my top prio list:
1. Original VW bike rack for 4;
2. Rear view camera if not too intrusive;
3. A Haty cargo tailgate (table & 2 seats) similar to T5/6/7 setup where they promoted in their video it could fit the T4

When chasing them up on this they said oh no it doesn’t fit T4 anymore for whatever reason. Any views there?

Thanks

 

[sidepod]

Cool!

I remember on one of your old posts that you add an extra ~2k worth of kit when you originally bought - What was on your list then?

On my end, here is my top prio list:
1. Original VW bike rack for 4;
2. Rear view camera if not too intrusive;
3. A Haty cargo tailgate (table & 2 seats) similar to T5/6/7 setup where they promoted in their video it could fit the T4

When chasing them up on this they said oh no it doesn’t fit T4 anymore for whatever reason. Any views there?

Thanks

Ah that was just stuff that needed fixing.
The guy I bought it from was adamant it was spot on. Clearly his idea of that and mine differed.

Depends on mileage obvs. Mine had 102k (miles) when I bought it 7 years ago.

I have a really good mechanic so I just told him to go through it and fix anything that wasn’t 100%

It needed a flywheel/clutch.
Cambelt
Full service
Ball joints
Air con refresh.
Gearbox lower mount (obsolete- hard to find)

Just basic consumables really but it all adds up.

I’ve since replaced the turbo (different on the AXG engine).
I’ve refurbished the injectors. That was a noticeable improvement. They’re only life’s for 100k. It’s super smooth and more economical.

These engines run soooo much better on the posh diesel.

I added an Alpine Navigation head unit plus reverse camera, that came to about £1k.
FYI, the left hand drive units have space to fit a large double DIN head unit whereas the uk right hand drive units don’t. Just in case someone tries to tell you “don’t fit mate”!
All because of extra steelwork behind the dash for rhd conversion.

The original Westy bike racks are hens teeth. German eBay is your best bet.
Mine came with it (well the vendor charged me an extra £300!!)


How many k has yours covered?

 

[sidepod]

Oh, mine didn’t have the awning so that was another wedge !

 

[T4_Cali]

Ah that was just stuff that needed fixing.
The guy I bought it from was adamant it was spot on. Clearly his idea of that and mine differed.

Depends on mileage obvs. Mine had 102k (miles) when I bought it 7 years ago.

I have a really good mechanic so I just told him to go through it and fix anything that wasn’t 100%

It needed a flywheel/clutch.
Cambelt
Full service
Ball joints
Air con refresh.
Gearbox lower mount (obsolete- hard to find)

Just basic consumables really but it all adds up.

I’ve since replaced the turbo (different on the AXG engine).
I’ve refurbished the injectors. That was a noticeable improvement. They’re only life’s for 100k. It’s super smooth and more economical.

These engines run soooo much better on the posh diesel.

I added an Alpine Navigation head unit plus reverse camera, that came to about £1k.
FYI, the left hand drive units have space to fit a large double DIN head unit whereas the uk right hand drive units don’t. Just in case someone tries to tell you “don’t fit mate”!
All because of extra steelwork behind the dash for rhd conversion.

The original Westy bike racks are hens teeth. German eBay is your best bet.
Mine came with it (well the vendor charged me an extra £300!!)


How many k has yours covered?

Very helpful thanks.
Mine is 113K and has been properly loved by 3 previous owners in DE/FR/UK. I found an original VW bike rack that I’ll collect in FR this summer. Thanks for the Alpine HeadUnit…it looks great indeed and if the wiring to the rear camera extra is part of the package that would be even better. My pioneer does the job but probably needs an upgrade now. Engine wise it looks alright and well maintained (change of water pump and cam belt 20k ago and the same for the clutch). Service due next year so will need to find a good VW specialist anywhere around Manchester or Hertfordshire. If you’ve got some recommandations please let me know.

Also for the ferry/eurotunnel, what indication do you usually give as they couldn’t find my reg for some reason and when I put transporter (Cali doesn’t exist) they start questioning commercial goods etc as they think it’s a utility vehicule. Any tips there?

Thanks

 

[calibusje]

Also for the ferry/eurotunnel, what indication do you usually give as they couldn’t find my reg for some reason and when I put transporter (Cali doesn’t exist) they start questioning commercial goods etc as they think it’s a utility vehicule. Any tips there?

Thanks

Don’t put van. Just put camper, very easy and not much more expensive; they do checks. I have already made the crossing more than 20 times, both tunnel and ferry and have already experienced checks. I also noticed that small campervans had to pay extra on site (no discount prices then) if they booked as a passenger car. Then there is a large price difference Of course, there will be plenty of people who say the opposite, so if you want to save a few pounds, book as a passenger car and hope that you are one of the ones where everything works out. Therefore: do what makes you feel best.
Oh yes: 113k miles? So a young one
Have fun! Again

 

[T4_Cali]

Don’t put van. Just put camper, very easy and not much more expensive; they do checks. I have already made the crossing more than 20 times, both tunnel and ferry and have already experienced checks. I also noticed that small campervans had to pay extra on site (no discount prices then) if they booked as a passenger car. Then there is a large price difference Of course, there will be plenty of people who say the opposite, so if you want to save a few pounds, book as a passenger car and hope that you are one of the ones where everything works out. Therefore: do what makes you feel best.
Oh yes: 113k miles? So a young one
Have fun! Again

Very helpful Calibusje, thanks!

 

[T4_Cali]

Ah that was just stuff that needed fixing.
The guy I bought it from was adamant it was spot on. Clearly his idea of that and mine differed.

Depends on mileage obvs. Mine had 102k (miles) when I bought it 7 years ago.

I have a really good mechanic so I just told him to go through it and fix anything that wasn’t 100%

It needed a flywheel/clutch.
Cambelt
Full service
Ball joints
Air con refresh.
Gearbox lower mount (obsolete- hard to find)

Just basic consumables really but it all adds up.

I’ve since replaced the turbo (different on the AXG engine).
I’ve refurbished the injectors. That was a noticeable improvement. They’re only life’s for 100k. It’s super smooth and more economical.

These engines run soooo much better on the posh diesel.

I added an Alpine Navigation head unit plus reverse camera, that came to about £1k.
FYI, the left hand drive units have space to fit a large double DIN head unit whereas the uk right hand drive units don’t. Just in case someone tries to tell you “don’t fit mate”!
All because of extra steelwork behind the dash for rhd conversion.

The original Westy bike racks are hens teeth. German eBay is your best bet.
Mine came with it (well the vendor charged me an extra £300!!)


How many k has yours covered?

Hi Sidepod

Could you please share your Alpine head unit pic / location, if it tilts given sun glare? The same for your rear camera?
I’m being advised to go for this one but struggling to see where it fits?

Have you also applied LED headlights front and back?

Thanks

 

[T4_Cali]

Hi Sidepod

Could you please share your Alpine head unit pic / location, if it tilts given sun glare? The same for your rear camera?
I’m being advised to go for this one but struggling to see where it fits?

Have you also applied LED headlights front and back?

Thanks

Alpine Halo 9

 

[sidepod]

Here’s the thread I posted when I installed it.

New head unit - Alpine W997D

new bling installed today.. DAB aerial lead and GPS aerial lead pulled in. GPS and DAB aerials installed on screen... I had no access to chassis metalwork for the earth tab so I ran a separate earth wire and stuck it to the tab. Power booster for analogue aerial. Blue lead...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Will the Halo 9 screen size fit with the dash surround? It’s quite recessed on the 4?

The reverse camera I tucked up under the number plate light/Tailgate handle cowling. A bit annoying that it couldn’t fit centrally due to the number plate lights but it doesn’t make much difference.

The Alpine camera I gave is a bit iffy tbh.
Very wide angle but almost impossible to gauge distance accurately. It’s got plenty of options to switch the view so great for reversing up to a tow hitch etc and great to use while on the motorway for extra visibility behind. Picture quality isn’t a patch on an OEM unit.

For reversing it’s really only good for a general view that there is nothing to hit. I wouldn’t rely on the guide graphics to reverse accurately.

 

[sidepod]

Sorry, I didn’t answer your questions properly.

Screen doesn’t tilt. Can’t say I’ve ever noticed a glare issue.

Headlights are Audi A4 Xenon units I believe. Surrounds have led strips glued in as do the fogs which are wired up as Drl. Previous owner fitted them. It’s a bit of a botch tbh. He just siliconed the lamp units into the main cowling. They’re very good.

Rears are led strips bonded in. Simple.

Regarding satnav and head units, I’m not sure I’d spend the money again. It’s just as simple to use your phone. The only issue is using it whilst driving.
I find the Alpine navigation inaccurate with regards to traffic. Google maps is infinitely more accurate. We always double navigate using both just to confirm routes and delays.

In terms of sound, I don’t think the Alpine is all that wonderful. Speakers are standard Blaupunkt so pretty good. Infinitely better to just pop the Bose mini on the dash and link to the phone for music etc.

 

[T4_Cali]

Sorry, I didn’t answer your questions properly.

Screen doesn’t tilt. Can’t say I’ve ever noticed a glare issue.

Headlights are Audi A4 Xenon units I believe. Surrounds have led strips glued in as do the fogs which are wired up as Drl. Previous owner fitted them. It’s a bit of a botch tbh. He just siliconed the lamp units into the main cowling. They’re very good.

Rears are led strips bonded in. Simple.

Regarding satnav and head units, I’m not sure I’d spend the money again. It’s just as simple to use your phone. The only issue is using it whilst driving.
I find the Alpine navigation inaccurate with regards to traffic. Google maps is infinitely more accurate. We always double navigate using both just to confirm routes and delays.

In terms of sound, I don’t think the Alpine is all that wonderful. Speakers are standard Blaupunkt so pretty good. Infinitely better to just pop the Bose mini on the dash and link to the phone for music etc.

That’s so useful alongside the original post. I suppose my hesitation was about installing:

1. 9” Alpine as per here

2. 7” Alpine that fits directly to replace my current Pioneer SPH - DA 120 (fitted back in 2015 which perhaps is starting to show its age even though the CarPlay is perfect to date but still wired)

3. Keep going with the current one and simply add a camera to keep it simple.

Will work out a plan this summer as I keep exploring my options

Thanks!!!!

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Alpine halo 9 uses TMC which isn't supported in the UK, it is f###ing excellent on the continent!